June 1, 2011

Around the Traps 8

This is the column where you find out what is happening with your team. Read on to find out about the comings and goings from your team, the rumours and innuendo, with a few sprinkles of real news to top it off.

COMINGS & GOINGS

Goings:

* 2010 Captain Tomo Togo has been exiled to Hong Kong. Occupational hazard! Apparently he intends to make 'paid' guest appearances when he is back in town visiting Ma, Pa & Bra Togo. Less handsome, less intelligent, older brother Yoz is flying the family flag by making 5 minute cameos every three or four weeks. It has been noted that his pace is quite deceptive...he's actually slower than he looks.

May 30, 2011

Slip, slop, slap

Dateline: 15th May, 2011

With the Great North-east Japan Earthquake shortening the Tokyo Cup season, 'Friendly' games have been the flavor of the month. The Tokyo Gaijin were hoping to get back in the winners' circle after two recent defeats and took on one of the better teams in Division 2 in the Waikiki Banians. After being behind 12 v 0 at the break, they stormed home to win 20 v 12 in a mudbath.

May 12, 2011

Super-duper Supermen

 Dateline: Tuesday, 3rd May

 The first game of the shortened Tokyo Cup 2011 version kicked off at Misato Sports Field for the Gaijin on the 3rd of May, a Public Holiday Tuesday.  The unusual choice of days had been forced on the organizers in the aftermath of the Great North-east Japan earthquake. The Gaijin team were struggling for numbers due to a string of injuries and the Golden Week holiday period taking its toll on playing numbers. To make matters worse they were up against the biggest forward pack in the competition and a monster front row and were already missing three of their regular props.
May 12, 2011

A game of two halves

Dateline: 24th April, 2011

The Tokyo Gaijin continued to warm up for the upcoming Tokyo Cup season with a trial game against fellow Division One team Musashino Ruggers. In the last encounter between the two teams, Musashino Ruggers had come out winners, a game in which the Gaijin captain at the time, Murray Clarke, was sent off, lesssening their chances of victory. Former Gaijin player, Shaunne Hughes, on business from Australia, was having a guest appearance for his old club and Gen Mishima was having his first game for the Gaijin.